July 24, 2012

Saudi Arabia’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with General Electric (GE) Company to establish a new technical academy, according to a report in the Saudi Commerce and Economic Review. The academy will train 150 Saudi students each year in advanced skills critical to the Kingdom’s electricity infrastructure, such as the maintenance and repair of gas turbines, electrical motors and generators.

The agreement was recently signed in Dammam by TVTC Governor Dr. Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis and President and CEO of GE Energy in the Middle East Joseph Anis, in the presence of Eastern Province Governor Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Al-Ghafis stated, “TVTC is proud to team with GE, a world-class technology company, to train the engineers and technicians who will form the cornerstone of the Saudi energy industry of tomorrow.” He added, “The agreement reflects TVTC’s strategy to build partnerships with the private sector to implement programs that support Vision 2020, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to promote diversification, create new jobs and drive overall welfare.”

During his remarks, Anis said, “The establishment of this technical academy signifies a new milestone in our collaboration with TVTC and underscores our joint commitment to empower Saudi Arabia’s most promising students with the advanced skills needed to support the Kingdom’s growth and development.”

The establishment of the technical academy is just the latest joint venture between TVTC and GE. In 2010, the two companies launched the GE Joint Technical Program, which was tasked with training Saudi students over a period of several years. Successful graduates of the training programs will be given the opportunity to work at GE’s growing business ventures in the Kingdom’s energy sector.